I like to drink two beers a night before dinner. Been doing it for 40+ years. I play USTA-sanctioned tournaments and always drink a beer or two before dinner as the draw progresses. Never before a match, of course; only at the end of the day. Does anybody see anything deleterious (bad, hamful, etc.) about this? All the Aussies did it in the glory years of Fraser, Anderson, Hoad, Rosewall, Laver, Emerson et al. Then again, I'm not in their category. Any thoughts?

Increased risk of dementia. A handful of studies now have all shown that any alcohol in excess of one drink (12 ounces beer, 5 ounces wine, or 1.5 ounces liquor) a day causes elevated rate of dementia.

Some athletes, even elite ones, find that 1/3 or 1/2 serving of alcohol prioe to competition can promote relaxation to elicit a peak performance. Any more than that and reflexes/reaction time will be impaired.

I will usually drink 1/2 to one serving of red wine (or occasionally beer) a day. Note, however, as ollinger indicates, even moderate drinking can result in an increased risk of dementia.

Some athletes, even elite ones, find that 1/3 or 1/2 serving of alcohol prioe to competition can promote relaxation to elicit a peak performance. Any more than that and reflexes/reaction time will be impaired.

I will usually drink 1/2 to one serving of red wine (or occasionally beer) a day. Note, however, as ollinger indicates, even moderate drinking can result in an increased risk of dementia.